Five Ways To Stay Happy During Shorter, Darker Days of Winter

By Beth Buczynski

December 6, 2015; 6:39 AM ET

Credit: Thinkstock
Everyone has a favorite season, and if you feel alive and joyful during summer's long, warm days, you probably view the impending chill with some apprehension. Although the science of whether the seasons affect our mood is inconclusive, there are a few things we know for sure: colder weather keeps us cooped up indoors, out of the sun, and it's easy for that claustrophobia to lead to depression.
The good news is, snow on the ground doesn't need to mean a three month-long case of the blues. Here are five ways to stay in good spirits during shorter, darker days.
1. Go Outside or Open A Window - If you hate being cold, or are trying to reduce your energy bills, this might not make sense, but bear with me. Keeping your house or apartment buttoned up too tight during cold weather creates stale, stuffy air. Considering that indoor air can be much more polluted than the outside, this is both unhealthy and gross. Let a bit of fresh air in, just for a minute, to reinvigorate yourself and breathe easier. It's also known that exercise goes a long way toward good mental health. When the weather gets colder, bundle up and go for a walk with your kids. Your cheeks will be rosy in no time.
2. Grow Something - Who says your gardening adventures need to end just because summer's over? Think about starting a small windowsill garden-just a few easy-to-grow herbs-or incorporating a few more houseplants into your decor. The greenery will help to clean the air and bring a vibrant touch of life to the heavy, dark trappings of the season.
3. Maintain Vitamin Levels - Vitamin deficiency is the fast-track to poor health, so make sure you're getting enough. "I ask patients to have their Vitamin D and B12 levels checked," Dr. Drew Ramsey, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and author of "The Happiness Diet" told HuffPo. A lack of Vitamin D has been linked with longer and worse depressive episodes. Maintaining vitamin levels will also strengthen immunity and help you fight off winter illnesses.
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